Can taking iron with or without probiotics and/or prebiotics improve iron deficiency anemia? Original paper

In this meta-analysis of 29 randomized controlled trials, taking iron with or without probiotics and/or prebiotics improved 1 of 2 outcomes related to iron deficiency anemia in women but not in children.

This Study Summary was published on March 25, 2025.

The study

Among the studies, the probiotics and/or prebiotics given varied by dose and type (e.g., 10 billion CFU of Lactobacillus plantarum or 7.5 grams of galacto-oligosaccharides). All of the participants also took an iron supplement. The intervention duration generally ranged from a couple of days to 6 months.

In women ages 16 to 45, probiotics and/or prebiotics did not improve hemoglobin, but did improve ferritin by 2.5 nanograms per milliliter.

In children, probiotics and/or prebiotics did not improve hemoglobin or ferritin.

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The results

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This Study Summary was published on March 25, 2025.